To vote or not to Vote? – Young People weigh in #Elections2019

The right to vote is one of the most basic and fundamental rights in a democracy. In South Africa, the electoral system is based on party-list proportional representation. A system that has made it very difficulty for the electorate to hold their representatives accountable for their action.

The issue of voting for young people arises in most instances due to the disillusions created by political parties making empty policies. Creating doubt and raising the question whether one votes or not?

This week #BreakfastWithDavid had a conversation with fellow young people on their thought about the national election: Madame Speaker, Honourable Ntombi Mekgwe, Young Student Activist Nompendulo Mkhatshwa as well as Resident Analyst Khaya Sithole.

The conversation zoned in on the reality that across the world, the youth continue to be the largest part of any population that refuses to cast their ballot. The panel examined why that is still the case in South Africa.

“Ours in not to say who young people must vote for, but it is ensuring that young people are actively playing a role in shaping their democracy as well as protecting their democracy” – Nompendulo Mkhatshwa

Ntombi Mekgwe reflected on voting for the very first time and how it felt when she did: “It was significant as voting did not come with a silver platter, it came at a cost, people died for the right to be able to vote.”